Lemon Squad - Nationwide Mobile Pre-Purchase Used Car Inspections

Report #398918

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Due to the pandemic and the policy of the dealership of not allowing solo test drives, I wasn't able to drive this vehicle. Therefore I spent extra time going through everything.

Upon my arrival the battery was completely dead. A charger was hooked up and after about 30 minutes it started up without any problem.

Mechanically
This vehicle has a rebuilt 401 V8 AMC engine. Once started, the engine sounds strong and idles well. There are no exhaust leaks or unusual sounds within. It holds a rev well and there isn't any smoke present. The fluids are clean and full. Power steering fluid looked to be recently changed. Although the radiator is original, there are no coolant leaks. The coolant is clean and strong. The oil is also clean with no signs of contaminates present. No oil sludge was found. It appears to be synthetic oil. Most of the wiring has been redone with two PSI gauges added. All clips and connectors look good. All belts and hoses are in good shape. The brake pedal feels good and the brakes hold well. It goes into all gears without any problems. The manual hubs engage well as expected. The steering feels normal and it turns fine both directions. The fan shroud has a crack and has been wired to the top of the radiator.

Interior
The seats are in very nice condition. A roll bar has been added and it is well secured all around. The glove box does not open completely due to the roll bar being added. The floorboards are solid front and back. All seat builts snap fine. Gauges were tested and the only one that doesn't function is the original factory in-dash RPM. However, an aftermarket has been added and it functions nicely. All buttons and switches function as expected. The manual windows roll up and down without any issues. There is an aftermarket Kenwood stereo that has been added. There are no unusual smells or tobacco smells inside this vehicle. The middle console is loose.

Exterior
The is a dent on the passenger side upper fender area. It has the original paint. There are miscellaneous rock chip and scratches all around but is consistent with the age and mileage of this vehicle. The hardtop and doors are removable. It doesn't appear that this vehicle has ever been in an accident. The gaps and body lines look good. The manual sunroof does not leak. It has a nice 8,000-pound winch which looks to be functional. There is a rock chip on the drivers side of the windsheild.

Underbody
There is no frame damage. This vehicle has disk brakes all around. The exhaust is in good condition with no signs of rust or damages. The leaf springs look good all around including the springs and shocks. Ball joints and all bushings are in good shape. There is no road rash present. It has an oil leak, further diagnosis is suggested. No signs of abuse were found.

Tires and Wheels
The spare is brand new. All tires have plenty of tread life left. There are no dry rot present or flat spots found and no uneven wear. The wheels are in good condition and have no curb rash damage.

There are two sets of keys. No owners manual was found in the vehicle. Please see photos and below for more info.

Vehicle Info

Year 1979
Make Jeep
Model CJ-7
Mileage 18989
Transmission Automatic
VIN Number J9F93EH100856
Stock Number #174-LVS
Interior Vinyl
Interior Color Black
Body Color Orange
Engine 8 Cylinder
Drive Type Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Type Gas

Exterior

Wiper Blades
Body Alignment
Scratches
There are minor misc scratches around the vehicle, most too small to see in photos.
Dings
The vehicle shows minor miscellaneous dings around the body.
Dents
The is a sizable dent on the passenger side on top of the fender. Please see the picture pointing this out.
Paint Condition
The paint shows some wear and tear that is consistent with age and mileage.
Rust
Exterior Lights
Sunroof
Door Mirrors
Bumpers
Frame Damage
Glass
There is a rock chip in the driver's side area of the windshield.
Body Seals
Hood
Doors
Floors
Rockers
Quarter Panels
Chrome

Interior

Steering Wheel
Horn
Seat Condition
There is light wear to the seats.
Seat Belts
Radio/Navigation
Inner Door Panels
Window Function
Center Console
The center console shows wear and tear and is loose.
Dash
Sun Visors
Dash Lights
Dash Gauges
In-dash tachometer does not function. The aftermarket gauge works fine.
Heater
Carpet
Cigarette Use
Unusual Odors
Cup Holders
Blower Motor
Interior Trim
The interior trim shows normal wear consistent with age and mileage.

Mechanical

Air Filter
Battery Condition
Upon arrival, I found the battery to be dead. Vehicle had to be jump started to get it running. The battery should be put on a charger to see if it accepts a full charge. If it does not accept a full charge, the battery will need to be replaced.
Charging System
Cooling Fan Condition
Radiator Cap Sealing Properly
Hoses
Radiator
Engine Coolant
Coolant Leaks
Belts
Power Steering
Steering Fluid
Engine Oil
Engine Fluid Leaks
The engine shows active oil leaks. The engine should be pressure washed off and rechecked to verify source of the leak or all leaks.
Transmission Fluid
Transmission Leaks
Brake System
Brake Fluid Leaks
Transfer Case Leaks
Differential leaks
Muffler System
CV Joints and Axles
Shocks and bushings
Ball Joints and Tie Rods
Modifications

Road Test

Road Test
Due to the pandemic regulations a test drive was not performed.
Engine Performance
Engine Starting

Manufacturer

Driver FrontRemingtonRemingtonPassenger Front
Driver RearRemingtonRemingtonPassenger Rear

Size

Driver Front33X13R1533X13R15Passenger Front
Driver Rear33X13R1533X13R15Passenger Rear

Axle Count

Tire Condition

Driver FrontNo IssuesNo IssuesPassenger Front
Driver RearNo IssuesNo IssuesPassenger Rear

Wheel Condition

Driver FrontNo IssuesNo IssuesPassenger Front
Driver RearNo IssuesNo IssuesPassenger Rear

Tire Tread

Driver Front14/3214/32Passenger Front
Driver Rear14/3214/32Passenger Rear
Spare Tire
Spare tireYes

Tire Tread Explanation

10/32 or more

Tires have plenty of tread!

(standard)

8/32 or more

Tires have plenty of tread!

(low profile)

5/32 to 7/32

Tires will need replacement soon!

4/32 or less

Tires need replacement!

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